Why visit Bentota?

Hugging a part of the coastline that leads out towards Sri Lanka’s stunning south is the charming yet engaging hamlet of Bentota. Featuring many a pleasing activity to engage with, Bentota is home to sprawling stretches of beaches coupled with a slew of heritage and religious sites that will beckon you to pack your bags and head straight here. Penned down below are 5 impressive attractions that you should include in your bucket list to Bentota.

Bask along the glorious Ventura Beach

Of all the beaches that you will stumble upon in Bentota, few will be able to compare to the appeal of spending time at Ventura Beach. The vastness of this stretch will easily put you in the perfect mood to slip on your favourite swimsuit, grab a book and unwind under the shade of a beach umbrella while watching the waves roll in and move off with ridiculous ease. Furthermore, you may go in for a refreshing soak before checking out the numerous beach restaurants which line Ventura Beach for one appetising take on scrumptious seafood and other snacks.

Stop by the Sea Turtles Conservation Research Project

Should you be keen on conservation and particularly, sea turtle conservation, then do schedule a trip to the Sea Turtles Conservation Research Project which is located at No. 390, Bentota South. Educate yourself on the importance of sea turtle conservation and allow the staff to fill you in on how they scout nearby beaches and gather the eggs and thereafter, safeguard them until they hatch and are in a position to be returned to their natural habitat.

Explore the Lunuganga Estate

Imagine meandering through detailed architecture and stunning sculptures which dot well-manicured gardens. Well then do make time for the Lunuganga Estate which was the country home of renowned Sri Lankan architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa who is credited with having introduced the concept of tropical modernism to the world. Take a walk through verdant spaces and pause by to immerse yourself in lake views en route to experiencing the magic and ingenuity of Lunuganga Estate which is one of the best things to do in Bentota Sri Lanka that expertly captures the life and time of Geoffrey Bawa in no uncertain manner. In fact, if looking for a good place to stay that will have you journeying to Lunuganga Estate easily, then consider booking with Cinnamon Bentota Beach.

Pay homage at the Kande Viharaya

Beautified by impressive stone architecture is the magnificent site of the Kande Viharaya. Ranked as one of Bentota’s sought-after landmarks, this Buddhist temple is known for one distinct element which is the 48-meter-tall statuette of the Buddha which can be witnessed and admired no sooner you ascend the numerous steps from its entrance. The statue will easily dwarf you as you begin exploring every inch of it and has etched its presence as one of the biggest seated Buddha statues in the entire world. Adding to the aura of the statue is the fact that the base is a brilliantly carved lotus flower. Also, you may make offerings in the form of a basket of fruits or flowers by purchasing these from beaming locals stationed near the entrance to Kande Viharaya.

Voyage through the Brief Garden    

The home of landscape architect Bewis Bawa, the elder sibling of Geoffrey Bawa is the captivating setting titled Brief Garden. Merging a clever use of nature and architectural facets, the Brief Garden brings to light the genius of Bawa himself who left no stone unturned (no pun intended) in recreating a mere rubber plantation into a world of lush beauty and art. Once done touring the environs of the attraction, do set foot inside the main house where you will presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn of what may have transpired on a daily basis at the acclaimed Brief Garden.